Press Release…
from the Health Care Council of Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kevin Heffernan
kheffernan@hccil.org
847-650-3773

Alfonso Cano brings clinical, legislative expertise to advocate for skilled nursing industry

Springfield, Ill. – The Health Care Council of Illinois today announced it has named Alfonso Cano as its Senior Policy and Education Director.

Before joining HCCI, Cano served as the Bureau Chief for Long Term Care at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and was previously a Rules Analyst for over 20 years for the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), where he reviewed rulemakings from the Departments of Public Health, Human Services, Healthcare and Family Services, Financial and Professional Regulation, and Health Facilities and Services Review Board.

“Alfonso is uniquely suited to take on this role at a time when the industry is facing significant challenges in attempting to overcome the devastation of the pandemic and, in some cases, fighting for its very existence,” said HCCI Executive Director Matt Pickering. “His understanding of how public policy is crafted paired with his experience as a critical care nurse will be extremely valuable in translating what the industry needs to recover and come back better than ever. I’m thrilled he is on the team.”

Cano is also a Registered Nurse, with experience in critical care and with renal transplants. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, his associate of applied science degree in nursing from Lincoln Land Community College and his master’s degree in political studies from the University of Illinois.

About the Health Care Council of Illinois

The Health Care Council of Illinois (HCCI) strives to bridge the divide between policymakers and nursing home communities across the state. As a non-profit member association, we represent more than 300 licensed skilled nursing facilities in Illinois. Through education and advocacy, we work collaboratively with administrators, lawmakers and other stakeholders to find creative, practical solutions to complex public policy issues impacting our residents and neighbors. For more information, visit www.hccil.org.